CONYERS, Ga. — Some residents east of Atlanta were evacuated while others were told to shelter in place to avoid contact with a chemical plume after a fire at a chemical plant.
Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel told reporters that a sprinkler head malfunctioned around 5 a.m. Sunday at the BioLab plant in Conyers. That caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, which produced a plume of chemicals. The chief said she wasn’t sure what chemicals were included.
A small roof fire was initially contained, but reignited Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Eric Levett said in a video posted on Facebook as gray smoke billowed into the sky behind him. He said authorities were trying to get the fire under control and urged people to stay away from the area.
People in the northern part of Rockdale County were ordered to evacuate and others were told to shelter in place with windows and doors closed. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Christine Nesbitt did not know the number of people evacuated.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division were both on site, county Emergency Management Director Sharon Webb said. The agencies are monitoring the air “to give us more of an idea of what the plume consists of.”
McDaniel said crews were working on removing the chemical from the building, away from the water source. Once the product is contained, the situation will be assessed and officials will let residents know whether it is safe to return to their homes, she said.
An evacuation center was opened at Wolverine Gym in Covington.
Residents in Georgia near a chemical plant fire are urged to follow specific instructions to ensure their safety and well-being. In the event of a chemical plant fire, it is crucial for residents to act quickly and decisively to protect themselves and their families.
The first and most important instruction for residents near a chemical plant fire is to evacuate the area immediately if instructed to do so by local authorities. Evacuation orders are issued to ensure the safety of residents and prevent exposure to potentially harmful chemicals released during the fire. Residents should follow evacuation routes provided by authorities and seek shelter in a safe location away from the affected area.
If evacuation is not possible or if residents are unable to leave their homes, they should take shelter indoors and close all windows and doors to prevent the entry of smoke or fumes. It is also recommended to turn off air conditioning and heating systems to prevent the circulation of contaminated air inside the home. Residents should stay indoors until authorities give the all-clear signal and it is safe to leave.
In the event of a chemical plant fire, residents should also avoid touching or inhaling any smoke, fumes, or ash that may be present in the air. It is important to cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or mask to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Residents should also avoid touching any contaminated surfaces or objects and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if they come into contact with any potentially hazardous materials.
It is important for residents near a chemical plant fire to stay informed and follow updates from local authorities through official channels such as emergency alerts, news outlets, and social media. Authorities will provide information on evacuation orders, shelter locations, and any other important instructions to ensure the safety of residents in the affected area.
In conclusion, residents near a chemical plant fire in Georgia should follow instructions from local authorities to evacuate or take shelter to protect themselves from potential harm. By acting quickly and following these instructions, residents can ensure their safety and well-being during a chemical plant fire emergency.
